LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Angel McCoughtry is back on the court in Louisville. 

The number one overall pick in the 2009 WNBA draft and former UofL Hall of Famer bounced into town to encourage young kids to reach for the stars. 

McCoughtry renovated a basketball court at Shively Park as a way of showing love to the city where her career took off. 

“It’s more about giving back to the community to extend ourselves and show them that they can do anything they want to do. Sky is the limit,” says McCoughtry. 

The court is covered in a colorful design of McCoughtry in her retired #35 UofL women’s basketball jersey and a message to young players to reach for the stars. 

The ribbon cutting of the renovated basketball court was followed by a cookout and giveaway. McCoughtry signed autographs and took photos with those who came out. (Spectrum News 1/Ashley N. Brown)

“All I did was start playing basketball at 8 and look at what it’s gotten me, so the same can happen for kids who just stick to their passion,” says McCoughtry. “When I was 8 we didn’t have this. We didn’t really have this kind of stuff, so to be able to do this was awesome.” 

The Baltimore native says choosing Louisville for the project was an easy decision.  

“Louisville has a special place in my heart and everybody knows that like I said, this is the place that I could reach for the stars,” says McCoughtry. 

Makayla Voll has been playing basketball for as long as she can remember.

“My dream is to be the best basketball player,” says Voll. 

Over her young career, she has played on many courts, but none compare to Angel McCoughtry’s Reaching for the Stars court at Shively Park. 

“This is awesome. I like this. I like the reach for your stars and I like the colors of the court cause it’s like reach your dreams and make it come true,” says the eight-year-old. 

A partnership with Adidas and Project Backboard made the renovation possible.  

McCoughtry says there is more in the game plan for Louisville.  

“If they could just be inspired and have fun because this is not the end we’re gonna do more stuff on the court, 3-on-3 tournaments, camps, tournaments, we’re gonna do so much stuff so we’re really excited about that,” says McCoughtry. 

McCoughtry hopes the court inspires kids to find passions that will take them to great places the way basketball has for her.